Growing up in Portmore, Jamaica was not an easy road for Andrae Sutherland. As young as seven years old, Andre trained himself as a vocalist and performer in the tradition of many of the great Jamaican musicians that came before him. As many of his friends took the well-travelled route of drugs and crime, Popcaan continued to follow his musical calling. His break came when he was spotted by his idol Vybz Kartel at a local talent contest and things took off from there. Taken under Kartel’s wing, Popcaan burst onto the scene with a feature on “Clarks” and never looked back.
Quickly proving himself as one of the island’s most talented artists, his distinctive voice and impressive instinct for melody flew him through international hits, from “Only Man She Want” to “Ravin.” His back catalogue features everything that dancehall has to offer – from poetic ghetto laments to party smashers and gyallis anthems.
As well as a huge local fanbase and a dedicated worldwide following, the Portmore MC became the first dancehall artist since Sean Paul to have his track playlisted on the BBC, shortly followed by a US Billboard chart placement. His well-known catchphrases and charismatic energy have lead him to cult status, finding a loyal fan in Drake as well as features with Busta and Snoop. Continuing the course to pop stardom, this past year saw him feature on both Pusha T’s “Blocka” and Kanye West’s Yeezus.
